TAKING CARE: A guide to choosing the right home care provider

VERO BEACH - It can often be an overwhelming moment in your life when your aging loved one experiences a planned or unplanned surgery, is diagnosed with a chronic condition, or sustains an injury, and you are unsure how to proceed with the recovery process once he or she is discharged from the hospital. Home care is often a preferred option to these everyday scenarios, and it is a practical, affordable, and safe option which allows your loved one to recover in the comforts of home. However, it is important to do some research to understand which homecare agency is right for you and your loved one.

Your loved one's physician will help you decide what services he or she needs, but choosing the right home care provider takes some time and research. First, you should discuss the care your loved one needs and requires with his or her physician, hospital discharge planner, or case manager. These professionals will provide you a list of local home care agencies for you to choose from.

When reviewing this list, you should ask yourself the following questions before choosing the agency:

• Does the agency provide the services my loved one needs?

• Does the agency have any specialty programs catered towards my loved one's illness or diagnosis?

• When is the agency accessible? Is someone available to assist you and your loved one to answer questions after hours or in an emergency?

• Does the provider have a good reputation and positive track record?

• How long has the agency been in business, serving your community?

• Is the agency licensed (required in many states) and accredited by a healthcare accreditation organization, such as the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)?

• Does the agency accept Medicare, Medicaid, or other public third party payors?

• Is the agency Medicare certified? Only Medicare certified agencies can provide services covered by Medicare. It is also beneficial to determine if the agency will continue services if Medicare or other reimbursement sources are exhausted.

It is important to remember that you have the power to choose which home care agency is right for you. You should feel comfortable with the level of expertise overseeing your loved one's recovery and be comfortable asking questions to the nurses, therapists, or other healthcare professionals entering your home.

If you have questions on how to choose the correct home care agency, please call 772-202-8570 or visit http://www.vnatc.com.

Sarah Mondano is the Vice President of Business Development and Sales for the VNA of the Treasure Coast and Nightingale Private Duty Nursing, Vero Beach-based non-profit organizations providing home healthcare, hospice care, homemaker services, companions, and transportation. To contact Sarah with your questions, feedback, or suggestions about healthcare topics you'd like to learn more about, please call 772-202-8570.

This story is contributed by a member of the community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TCPalm.